Of Gods and Legends: Chapter The First: A New Day (IC)

[Lavan Tiri]

The Forests of the East
Dawn

In the darkness that heralds the light, the world slept, cocooned in night. But, like all nights, this one ended. The Sun rose, slowly, tentatively, each golden finger brushing across the ground softly. They were, for a moment, uncertain, but they gained confidence, grasping the earth and heaving up. The Sun burst forth in glorious morning, it's golden gaze touching everything on Ziolas, one by one.

The sun touched the sky and clouds, the earth and the people, the sea and the shore. It brushed across the mountains and valleys, the castles and villages, the forests and deserts. And as the Sun traveled, the people awoke, nobles and warriors, kings and peasants, each coming up for the day's work.

It was a new day, a new dawn. Yesterday was history, and gods and mortals were awaking, ready to make or break history.

---

In the Eastern part of the world, the Sun's golden light found a small forest, and it was joyful, dancing across the leaves and treetops, rousing birds from their sleep. They fluttered away, unaware of the young girl beneath their forest homes.

She was, by all accounts, a beautiful girl; in her early twenties, with long, shining red-gold hair to her waist. She wore a ankle-length pale blue dress, and a knee-long green cloak. She hurried along, clutching in her hands a basket containing a mixture of seemingly random items. A cicada shell, a living ferret, a clod of dirt, a small jar of sand, and a gold coin.

The girl-Estima was her name-was on her way to do something that could, potentially, lose her her soul.

She arrived in a small clearing in the woods, ringed by Rowan trees. Settling down on the soft moss, she began removing the items from her basket, wondering why in hell's bells he would need this shit. A bug shell? Really, it was supposed to be a living cicada, but they didn't live in these parts. Not past winter.

And a ferret? It was supposed to be a ferret's left paw, but ferrets have two left paws. So maybe, maybe he'd show up anyway.

Estima set out the ritual, as the book with the acid-stained pages had told her. And so, when she heard a young voice nearby say "Miss, if I were you, I wouldn't do that." she almost panicked, jumping to her feet. Standing neaby was a young man, perhaps twenty-five, with olive skin, black hair, and golden eyes.

But……but he wasn't the one in the book. And Estima said as much, gasping out "You………you're not Vasal."

"No, I'm not.", the young man agreed amicably. His eyes sparkled, and he continued
" but we're acquainted." He strode up, hand out for her to shake. "Hello, madame. I'm……"

"Bao'Lyde. God of Rebellion. Ugly little fucker, ain't he?", said a clear, slightly accented voice from the shadows. A man stepped out, his skin green-gold, his hair off-brown and twirly.

He did match the picture.

"Oh my gods……" Estima said, sinking to her knees, terrified. "You're……you're……"

"Yes, yes dearie.", the odd man said, waving aside the unfinished sentence. "I'm Vasal. God of stuff and things. And I'm here to grant your wish."

Bao'Lyde stepped forward. "Estima, take nothing from him, no matter what you-"

And he vanished.

Estima gasped. "What………what did you do?"

"What, to Bao? Just sent him away. Hope the bitch likes volcanoes." He said dismissively, waving his hand. "Now, your wish, dearie."

Estima was, understandably, horrified, but she pressed on. "My family, we're…… we're poor. We need money."

Vasal smiled wickedly. "Of course, dearie. Don't worry, I'll get you money. Just…… just wait for the twelfth strike of the clock today. Mm-kay?"

And without a word, the world spun, leaving Estima sitting at her bedside table, and Vasal…… gone.

[The Starlight]

A new dawn rose upon Ziolas, the sun shyly peeping its head out like a young duckling, before growing more confident and showing its full majesty and glory. Its radiant beams illuminated every corner of the hemisphere it was facing, and if one was to look down, below the boughs of a young, yet tall forest, one would see a lion. Its mane was long and it was large, and yet retained its sleekness, power and grace that marked it as the most powerful animal currently in the wood. And yet, the squirrels yippered and chattered happily, racing and chasing, leaping and gathering, paying no mind to the still lion, that had gold, piercing eyes.

Without a sound, the lion paced forward, its every step measured and seemingly calculated to retain as much grace and power as possible. Soon, it expanded into a trot, then a gallop of which, every leap seemed to spring. Long was its course, and soon it reached the golden plains, but it did not stop, its golden and brown mane flowing behind its head. Its steps were agile and careful, and no thorn dared to prick the paws of the magnificent creature.

And then, the lion came before a mountain. Gazing up it, the lion selected the best route and began, not climbing slowly, and yet, carefully, jumping nimbly when required and striding forward as the occasion called for. Finally, it reached the peak of the mountain, standing proud as it gazed the expanses of the territory. This was Telerion. Perhaps 2 miles north of the mountain was the great river Luthen, and by it, the proud capital of Telerion and the center of Elvendom upon Ziolas, Vilundir. There, High King Vilgaen Vrenture reigned, the strong gates imprinted with a lion's head, its tall stone walls, the proud, valiant towers and the waving banners all created a feeling of glory and power.

The lion shifted into the form of a woman, but this was no mere mortal. This was Eluthiel, Goddess of Honor, the Hearth, and Knowledge, Mother of Elves and Patron of the Arts, whose golden hair rivaled that of the sun, whose keen, wise eyes were deeper than the sea. Upon her head rested a silver circlet that fit perfectly around her, and she wore a blue dress with a silver pendant at her chest, and a pure white garment that shimmered with the stars beneath.

Eluthiel smiled, seeing and sensing the prosperity and happiness of the Eldar, her most treasured things above all else. Any who tried to interfere with their peaceful lives, would face the fury of Eluthiel, and though it had been long since unleashed, all who had experienced it were not quick to forget. Smiling one more time, she disappeared in a flash of blue, to her domanion that lay veiled by the clouds, Taltera.

[The Dalek Paradigm]

The sun rose, the mortal realm awoke in all its glory. The shackles tightened once again. The bright vibrant sunlight, a stark reminder of incarceration, grasped Ziolas snatching it away like it had so many times before. Rising in the east, setting in the west, almost as certain as time itself.

The old God sighed a breathless, hollow sigh as the terms of his banishment came to jeer once more. He always came to look upon the Ziolan sunrise, to bask in the radiance of the morning bloom, the vibrant colours of the crawling forests and the sparkling deserts glinting softly in the sun. Thendaelum, Lord of Time and Rage, once capable of moulding the fabric of reality, worshipped by the civilisations of old and the demi-Gods of yesteryear, reduced to a breathless observer, never feeling the warmth of the solar awakening, never hearing the morning call of sleepy sparrows. He sat upon his wooden throne as an old hourglass with eternal flame, his default form. His mind his only companion in his domanion of cascading white, he did not mind this; he never cared for the petty ceremonies of the other Gods, the ones who stood by and looked on as his terms of exile were put in place, his grasp over his domain of time weakened, his presence diminished. He despised them, their love for mortal life was a perversion to him at the utmost level. Mortals are there to fear the Gods, fear their power, fear their strength. They are nothing more than a power source, a means to an end.

Drawing himself out of his bitter state he turned to Ziolas once again, time was still his loyal informer and it whispered to him of the importance of the coming days, the wheels of fate had started to turn, and not even the creators could cease their motion.

[Romus Maximus]

Calosar, The City of Journas Amir

As the sun's rays hit Journas Amir a contingent of men and seraphs rode through the cities gates bearing their lord's emblem on banners and led by a man wearing white hooded robes and armour pieces. The man emitted a faint white glow and had an air of pride about him. As he entered the onlookers cheered. It wasn't often that a god walked amongst the people of Journas Amir, let alone a god that was kind to all that did not commit crimes. As they rode the Justiciars and Seraphs threw gifts to those in need, whether it be food, gold, clothing or satchels of wine. They soon arrived at the cities minor temple to Calosar and even though it was minor, it was still the second largest temple to the god in the world, second only to his High Temple at the base of the plateau.

Calosar was met by Electorate Riedas Rominin, the city's ruler and chief scholar, Charton Gales, the High Priest to Calosamir of Journas Amir, and Stornin Raemes, the seraph was Grand Commander of the Justiciars. As the god entered the tree men knelt and he stopped. He gestured for them to stand as he spoke, "You may rise friends. I believe I said that you shall not kneel to me, because friends do not hold power over one another. It is the same as open speech. You tell me what you believe not what you believe I want to hear." The three men got up and muttered in sync with each other, "Of course." Calosar walked beyond the huge desk and sat on the throne behind it and conjured a golden mallet out of nowhere, before placing it on the desk. "So, what crimes need addressing on this day?" his advisor's sat in their seats and Stornin replied, " There are four cases waiting to be judged. A murder, a thief, a rapist and a traitor."
"Order them sent in in that order." Stornin's squire left to fetch the first man and soon returned with two Justiciars holding a man in manacles. Calosar stood and stared down the man. "You stand accused of murder before the divine Calosar. Do you plead innocence or guilt?"
"I-I plead guilt my lord. I wished to advance my standing and murdered the man above me in hope of gaining his position."
"Your confession has been taken into account. You will suffer the punishment of death. You may choose the manner."
"Thank you for you mercy my lord. I choose beheading."
"Your wish has been granted."
The Justiciars escorted the man out as another pair brought in the man accused of theft. "You stand accused of theft before the divine Calosar. Do you plead innocence or guilt."
"I plead guilt my lord. but say the crime was with reason."
"Explain the situation that caused you to declare that the crime was reasonable."
"I stole the food to feed my family my lord. They are starving and I beg mercy. They will not survive without me. It was only a loaf of bread and a basket of apple my lord."
"You shall be given mercy. Your life shall be spared, but you shall still suffer punishment. I will take the tips of two of your right hands fingers."
"Please no my lord. Please I beg mercy."
"You have been given mercy. Justiciars escort him out and take the tips of his right middle and ring finger." The Justiciars lifted the man and dragged him out. Calosar looked to two of the Seraphs in the room and beckoned for them to approach him. "Make sure his family is fed. I am a fair god. His family starves, so I shall feed them." The Seraphs nodded and then left. Four Justiciars entered dragging the man accused of rape.
"You stand accused of rape before the divine Calosar. Do you plead innocence or guilt?"
"I plead innocence. The girl was a harlot. I even payed her afterwards." The man spat on the floor and then suffered a knee to the stomach.
"You shall suffer to be held in a cage day and night, to be an example to those who would rape, lie and dishonour. You will remain in the cage until the day comes that the crows have picked your bones clean."
"My lord, please no. I told the truth. The whole truth."
"So you say, but how can I trust a man who spits in my temple and is a known liar? I cannot and that means you shall die. Take him away and bring in the traitor." The four Justiciars picked up the man and carried him out, before another was brought in. The man was dressed in the robes of an elected official of Journas Amir. "You stand accused of High Treason before the divine Calosar. Do you plead innocence or guilt?"
"I plead neither my lord. I did what I did and now it is done. Kill me and get on with it."
"A man who confesses and wishes death upon himself shall instead be sent to the Deep Cells, to suffer life alone. Take him away."
The Justiciars escorted the man out and Calosar and his advisor's stood and departed for the god's quarters, to discuss matters, that did not necessarily relate to his domain.

[Taigawa]

Melisara awoke as the sun began it's attempts to stretch it's rays into her realm. Volingarde would of course only allow it to advance to where the Hall of Valor, her palace, stood. That was how she wished it, and even though she was not a solar deity, Volingarde was her realm, and she had the power to make it obey her in Volingarde. She went to peer into a pool that served as a link to Aurora, the nation her race, the cat-like Kirran had founded. She could see all of it, and do what she wanted with their lives. She decided she would stroll the streets of Miyesmos again, as she would easily blend in. She opened up a beam of light frrom the heavens above the ancient city, and decended to be amongst it's people. They had little way to know it was her of course...unless she announced it. She was dressed in a fine silk robe, trimmed in gold, and from afar, she looked like any normal, if extravagantly wealthy, Kirran. She went to the barracks to see the general in charge of the army. Her name was Cyelia, and Melisara liked everything about the young lady. She had helped Cyelia win every battle she hadever been in thanks in part to Melisara's intervention. Though the general had rightfully attributed her victories to the goddess, the people were becoming edgy. A new war was brewing; and only their goddess could control it. She'd heard their prayers but ignored them. She would not take sides unless Aurora's future was in danger.

[Mundeo]

The sun rose slowly over the peak of Torrecéu, the first rays of light flowing over the mountain's steep edges. The light shined down on te city of Vale, it's inhabitants heralding the dawn of another day in the Noble Land of Sabedoria, and the entire city burst into life, with every citizen beginning another day of their lives. The young went to their schools to learn more about the world in which they live, and the mature went to their occupation, whether is was a musician, a poet, a warrior, or a mage.

But what is important is what happened is when the sun set, and the darkness of night flooded the sky, when a cluster of stars in the sky grew and grew into a mesmerizing nebula in the form of an old mage. The first mage to be exact, for from that nebula Direitus, the old god of magic and the patron of Sabedoria, watched over his beloved realm. This night was going to be special, for tonight, after hundreds of years, Direitus shall return to the physical world of Ziolas to teach one mortal with his devine teachings. And with pride and honor, Direitus descended upon the Earth.

[Jaslandia]

Stewbrun, United Kingdom of Montasias

The sun rose on the cobblestone streets of Stewbrun, great capital of the Montasian kingdom. A ragged-looking, hodded man in grey robes walked through the city, passing by an elderly peasant woman along his way. "Excuse me, young man," the woman said. "Has anyone ever told you that you're the spitting image of Balajus?"

"Yes," the man replied. "I get that a lot."

"The gods must have blessed you from birth, to bear such a close resemblance to the mightiest of the gods."

The mysterious figured chuckled. "I suppose so. I am afraid I must go. Thank you for your kind words, m'lady." The hooded figure grabbed the older woman's hand and kissed the top of her fingers, before resuming his walk.

"Thank you, kind sir!" the woman shouted as the man disappeared around a corner. Just past the corner, the hooded figure grabbed a wooden handle, and entered a small bookstore. The man removed his hood, revealing a bald head.

"Hello, Smithus," the man in grey said.

"Great Balajus!" Smithus exclaimed. "It is honor for you, the God of Curiosity and Discovery, to visit my humble store."

"Please, Smithus," Balajus replied. "I am a regular here. There is no need for these formalities. What do you recommend for me today?"

"Well, I just got in this new novel from a publisher in Glysdown. It's about a reclusive monk who decides to take a break from monastic lifestyle to explore and see the world."

Balajus smiled. "I can certainly see why you would recommend this book for me," the deity responded. "I'll take. How much is it?"

"No charge," Smithus said. "I couldn't possibly ask the God of Curiosity to pay for his own books!"

"I insist. You mortals have a custom of paying for products, so it only makes sense I observe that custom while I am among you." Balajus reached into the pockets of his grey pants, pulled out two silver coins, and put them on the store counter. "Have a wonderful day, Smithus."

The store owner grabbed the coins and held them up proudly. "Thank you, Balajus! Thank you for this great honor." Balajus put his hood back on, and continued his walk.

[The Blazing Aura]

Telathine smiled as she wandered into the small town. There was hardly anyone else out, not that she expected to see anyone else, the blizzard that was currently blowing around it showed no sign of stopping, and Telathine knew that it wouldn't until long after she left, there was an advantage to being able to control such weather after all.
Walking along what was obviously the main street Telathine almost bumped into one of the few others out, he was obviously drunk, and was now stumbling home, despite the blizzard. Even in her traveling cloak, it wasn't that hard to tell that Telathine was a women, so much so that the drunk decided to making a passing remark as he stumbled close to her "Hey, love you want to get out of the cold, I could always warm you up."
Telathine scowled, not that it took much for her to do so, she hated the mortals like this one. "I suggest you think through that one again." Raising one hand and clenching it into a fist Telathine imagined the particular part of the drunk she wanted frozen. "Unless you don't want to make anyone warm again."
The freezing of his private parts obviously sobered the man up, at least to recognize that he wasn't speaking to a normal mortal at least. "I'm sorry mi lady, I did not know who I was speaking to." he sobbed.
"And just, who are you speaking to?" Telathine asked, a very cold smile now appearing on her face.
"Lady Telathine, I am sorry, please do not curse us" the man sobbed, now on his knees.
"We'll see." Telathine smiled, before wrapping the falling snow around her, disappearing from Ziolas, and reappearing back in Civenix. "Although I think it'll be fun." she finished to herself as she headed to her hall, making sure that the blizzard still wracked the small town.

[Hastiaka]

Llysandra, Goddess of Air, Saints or Holy Affairs and Patron of Companionship. Chief Diety of The Luftreich Empire and Respected by all who breathes her air. One of the Eldest Gods of Ziolas

Luft, Realm of Llysandra

---

Upon the night sky, meteor showers appeared. It only means one thing; Llysandra had slapped Mortals who tried to invade her realm. The Goddess always challenged men who wished to fly. She made them fail. Her Golden Saints would guard her realm and that no Mortal who is uninvited will be cast out from the heavens. She is both. For she is good to those who respects her and punishes those who try to defy her realm. The Mortal's soul is sent to the Underworld to rot and as they descend to hell, it will appear as a Meteor Shower. Llysandra walked upon her Celestial Throne and sat. Looked upon the Mortals who were working in her Empire. Alas, the Fourth Eldest God likes to companion the Lonely Humans down below. She would send her Golden Saints down to see if the Humans were doing good. There upon the high mountains of Mount Luthara, the gateway to Luft. Llysandra neared the stairs and saw a man. His name was Clovus von Ernstad, a sole adventurer. For it was he who the Goddess chose to be the purifier of her Empire. For centuries, Luftreich has fallen short of glory. Though they worship Llysandra will spirit, Llysandra disgusted their corrupt ways. For 500 years, the Vigilantes failed to contact her and she only appears when the Kaiser is dead. Yet, she never talked to her Vigilante Order.

Clovus was walking down the streets of Mount Luthara. He heard a voice in his head; ''I am your god. Llysandra. Goddess of Air, Saints and Companionship. Patron of the air you breathe. Come to my cause and i shall reward you o, brave adventurer.'' Clovus was trembling in spirtual awe and terror. He kneeled and tears were coming out of his eyes, he did not have the will to stand up as his foot were shaking. He replied; ''Mmy.. laddy.. i.. didd.. nott darree to.oo.. def..yy yourr reallmm.'' The Goddess replied, taking power from her life essence. ''I did not waste my powers just to go here and recieve that answer. I can only be short here, as i am becoming weak farther i go away from my realm. I tell you, Consult the oracle at the City of Prophera and she will tell your destiny.'' Clovus was delighted. Prophera was just three miles away from him. As soon as he was going to reply, the Goddess disappeared.

Prophera, Luftreich

Clovus was walking down street when a Vigilante approached him and said. ''Our lady sent me here to guide you'' Clovus was delighted, together they walked futher down and approached the cabin. The cabin was clean. Several Vigilantes were staying there and chatting while the Elder Vigilantes were worshipping Llysandra at her chapel. The entire compound was secured. The Vigilantes are the Mainstay of Llysandra's crusade. Llysandra is neutral at all wars between gods. As the two enter the Oracle began to speak.

''... Three Mortal Men seeking to keep. One crown for one Kaiser to keep and on the Feast of their God, Only one mortal man has been bowed by all, For that man will decide what to be. For Luft be raised or razed to be.''

[Charmera]

"The Emperor is Dead! Long live the new Emperor!"

Zakazzet Ith' Thalzen could hear their chants, anyone who wasn't deaf could hear them in the Palace of Iazzubar. Excitement always boiled over when a new Emperor takes the throne. Unlike the other races, Drow almost always took the assassination of their leader as a good omen (provided it was by another drow), as it both proves that the previous emperor was weak and deserved to be deposed, and the new one had a will and determination to rule. After all, anyone would would stab the blade into the Emperor himself had ambition, which was a quality that Drow deeply admired, respected and feared with equal measure.

The drow couldn't help but revel in his new victory. He had taken a considerable gamble, as not only was Emperor Azuzek a very careful drow, but he also had a standing bodyguard of executioners. Luckily, Zak had gained considerable support, Most drow assassinations targeting the emperor fail dismally without proper support. Zak had allies in high places, very high places...

"Congratulations Zak, you have served me very well."

Zakazett spun around to see what looked like a female drow, with an almost imperceptible grin and surprisingly beautiful features. However this was no normal drow. No, one who made that mistake would be due for a painful death indeed.

"Illyana..." The Emperor swore, merely letting out the name in surprise. Though he had been acting according to the will of his Goddess, he has never met her in person. Hardly any drow did. He immediately fell to his knees out of respect and reverence, avoiding her eyes. "Goddess, it is an honor to be in your presence.

The goddess grin faltered as he did so. She put a finger to his chin, tilting his head up to see her. "The Emperor should bow to no one, not even his goddess." She said, she gently helped him up, her grin returning. "That doesn't mean we are by any means equals, I could end you right now if I wanted. However keep in mind, you are Emperor of the Drow now. You need to be very careful about such actions..."

Zakazett nodded, pausing as he stood up fully. "May I ask you a question my Goddess..."

"You may." She replied. "Speak freely, I have no use for formalities from my Emperor."

"What did Azuzek do to displease you...? "

Illyana paused for a second. "I see, you want to know so that I won't retract my protection of you as I had with him..." She smiled slightly as she saw the look in the drow's eyes confirmed what she said. "Azuzek was a warmonger. And while that might have been fine centuries ago, war is not the safe path for the drow anymore." She explained. "He was no longer fit to be emperor, and he was too careful to let himself be assassinated, which explains my instructions to you all those years ago."

"You want to learn from Azuzek? Learn this: Do not fail your people, because I will have no interest in protecting you if you do not prove yourself worthy of the position you have attained." She explained, her smile gone and her words deadly serious. "Otherwise, you may rule as you see is best. I have no interest in micromanaging you, nor hindering your reign."

Zakazett nodded, not showing the fear building up inside him. He knew all too well how replaceable he was.

Illyana smiled, "Don't worry. I'm confident you'll do well. You have the drive to rule, now all you have to do is keep your crown."

His eyes widened slightly. "I thought you were going to protect me."

"I will. But not if you can't look out for yourself. I will not nurse you like a mother. If you require aid or advice, I will provide it, but I am not at your beck and call." She replied bluntly.

Another pause, then a roar from the crowd drew the Emperors attention.

"Long Live the new Emperor. Long live Zakazett."

"They're waiting for you Emperor. Do not disapoint me."

Zakazett turned to where Illyana was once, but he saw not but empty air. He nevously looked around, then coughed and returned to his regal bearing. She was right. He was Emperor now. It was time he started acting like it.

"Long Live Zakazett..." he muttered to himself, grinning as he walked towards the balcony where he would make his coronation speech.

[Hastiaka]

The War in Luft, Battle between the Saints of Llysandra. Trouble is in the Air.

Above the mortal realm lies Luft. Usually mistaken for their Heaven. As such, Air is freedom and no Mortal can ever conquer Llysandra's realm. However, in the Council of the Golden Saints. Olthem, the leader of the Foretold. A faction of Golden Saints declared rebellion against her goddess. You see, Luft has civil war once in a thousand years. Llysandra has successfully suppressed 15 of these and almost lost to two. Upon the Goddess' palace, an army of Foretellers march. For some reason, these Foretellers got hold of several demonic dragons. The other Golden Saint faction; The Lightbearer, are fiercely loyal to their Goddess. Archsaint Bellerophon, led the Lightbearers and defended Llysandra's palace. Llysandra was weakened during her brief encounter with Corvus. She had drained much power while descending down to Earth. The Archsaint was the greatest Golden Saint Commander. In the last war, Bellerophon managed to defeat Othera, another leader of the Foretold. In each civil war, the Gods had given the Foretold amnesty. As the last ray of light faded unto the dark night, Olthem besieged the Palace's walls.

''Saints of Llysandra! Lightbearers! We shall stand to our deaths! For our Goddess is our god and we will not surrender to these hypocrites! These, Heretics! Defend her realm and we shall recieve our rewards!'' Archsaint Bellerophon decreed. Bellerophon usually expects the Foretellers to have a few soldiers as they had during the past 17,000 years. But this time, it was different. Half of the Golden Saints were divided. The Lightbearers were outnumbered as the Luftgarde and the Swordsworn were still away. These two factions too are loyal to their goddess. ''What in the river Lily is that?'' a saint muttered. The Lightbearers were stunned, as waves of dragons descened upon them. The Saints had wings. They could fly too, but against a dragon? No. Anti air weapons were used. Inside the Palace, the Palace's Guardians accompanied the Goddess at her time of sorrow. She felt that her powers were draining as her realm was again being torned apart by civil war.''My gods, what in Ziolas are they thinking?'' she cried while being patted by Archsaint Ignatius; The Keeper of the Goddess' artifacts. ''Holy Eluthiel! What in Vosktrud is that?! Archsaint Ignatius shouted as a Red Dragon approached., Olthem was riding the dragon and was barging through the Palace's glass artifacts. Llysandra stood, drawed her Celestial Diamond longsword and pointed against the small Olthem. In her realm, Llysandra is about a hundred feet tall. ''Stand down you savage beast! I shall send you to the Underworld myself!'' Llysandra shouted. Olthem was shaking but ignored his superstitious terror. Olthem stood and shouted. ''I dont care, without us you are just a Mortal!'' Llysandra didn't challenge what he said. He was right, Llysandra was ashamed. She sheated her sword and simply muttered; ''Archsaint, get him out of my sight''

As the Battle was raging in the sky and in the air, Corvus was still hiking Mount Helena near the capital. Inside Mount Helena, a cyclops which holds important documents concerning the Weaknesses of the Goddess.

Caverns of Mount Helena, the Quest of Kingship

Corvus was walking through a pile of skeletons. Spiders were everywhere. His sole Celestial bronze sword was the only source of the faint light. Luckily, he saw a used torch. He lighted it and proceeded. He passed through several caverns. The caverns had piles of broken caravans, shacks, fences and scaffolding. He saw several remains of soldiers. ''One, two, three.. One, two three... One, two, three'' he whispered to himself. He pointed the torch against the wall and saw markings. A cyclops eating an entire legion of Kaisergardes. Corvus was literally horrified. Then, footsteps echoed throughout the chambers. ''I.. i smell... a Human!'' he laughed. The Cyclops then chased Corvus until he drew his sword. ''Ah! Celestial objects! too.. too holy for me! get that out of my sight!'' the Cyclops shrugged. ''Really? Then eat it!'' Corvus threw his sword and hit the Cyclops' heart. The body disintegrated and turned to ash. A voice entered Corvus' mind; ''Burn his papers. Burn it all!'' then, Corvus burnt the entire library and went on. As he went outside the cave, he was flanked by a squad of Vigilantes. ''Heretic! you think Llysandra chose you! hah! Cage him and throw him into the dungeon!'' the Vigilante commander said. Then, Corvus was forced into a cage and was heading to the Capital.

[The Intergalactic Russian Empire]

This post is reserved!

[Jaslandia]

Kassanderos Palace, Stewbrun, Kingdom of Montasias

As Balajus continued his incognito walk, he took a left and walked past a local market. The God of Curiosity soon arrived at Kassanderos Palace, home of Zuntagan I, King of Montasias, Protector of the Glanni, Son of Discovery, and Great Bayel of the North. Balajus approached the two guards protecting the palace. "State your business!" one of the soldiers ordered.

Balajus nodded and removed his hood. "I am the illustrious one. The phoenix has arrived to see his companion."

The guards quickly recognized the passphrase. They examined the mysterious man clad in grey, and looked over him from his shaved head to his brown shoes. Upon realizing that the man before them was indeed the great founder of Montasias, the guards trembled as they kneeled before Balajus. "It is an honor, Great One," the first guard said.

"Arise," Balajus said. "Just escort me to see my son."

"Of course, my lord," the first guard replied. The two soldiers walked beside the God of Curiosity, leading him through the main courtyard into the grand throne room of the King.

"B-B-Balajus..." the monarch stammered as he kneeled down in a bow. "It... it is an honor to see you again."

"Arise, my son," Balajus responded. "I am merely your father." The king stood up, and was warmly embraced by Balajus. As the two hugged, Queen Dowager Letia emerged from a doorway beside the throne.

"Hello, Letia," Balajus said to the mortal woman after the embrace concluded. While Balajus and Letia's romantic feelings for each other had long since faded, the two still had high respect for each other as intellectual near-equals.

"Greetings, Bal," Letia replied. Letia was one of the few mortals that was courageous enough to call the God of Curiosity by a pet name, and Balajus not only allowed it, he was impressed by her boldness.

"What brings you to my palace today, father?" Zuntagan asked Balajus.

"Just a quick visit," Balajus replied. "Trouble is brewing among the realms of the gods, and I need to be ready to respond. I cannot stay for too long."

"Can you at least speak to the people before you leave?" the King asked. "The people of Montasias dearly love you, and they would very much appreciate hearing your words of inspiration."

The god sighed. "Fine. I will give a speech."

“Excellent! However, you should probably wear more formal attire. Servants! Retrieve the Divine Regalia!” The servants quickly complied, fetching a long purple robe, purple slippers, a scepter of gold and jade, and a jeweled crown of diamonds.

“Must I wear this?” Balajus asked after he was handed the regalia. “You know I am not a fan of ornate clothing.”

“It’s just for ceremony’s sake,” Zuntagan replied. “Need to maintain the prestige of the monarchy, you know. Just wear it for this speech and then you can return to wandering in your grey robes.”

Balajus sighed. “Fine.” The God of Curiosity and Discovery then stepped out a doorway, onto a balcony overlooking the city streets. It only took a minute before the deity was noticed.

“Look!” a middle-aged woman cried. “It’s Balajus! He’s here!” A throng of peasants soon lined the street, eagerly waiting for Montasias’s founder to begin his speech.

“Montasians everywhere, lend me your ears!” Balajus exclaimed. “I have returned to the realm I founded, and I was not disappointed. You have exceeded my expectations, and I could not be prouder to be the founder of Montasias.” As Balajus paused, cheers erupted from the crowd, before dying down when the deity resumed his speech. “Montasias has seen much development under King Zuntagan; he has truly proven himself a wise and able leader. Trade has increased, standards of living has increased, and poverty has decreased. Indeed, I have great pride in Montasias, and the United Kingdom is my top priority, above even my own self-preservation. I wish continued prosperity upon the kingdom. Hail Zuntagan! Hail Stewbrun! Hail Montasias!” The crowds went wild with applause and cheers, as Balajus exited the balcony back into the palace. “I must go now, my son,” Balajus said to Zuntagan.

“Farewell for now, father,” the King said as he hugged the God of Curiosity. Balajus soon changed back into his grey robes and hood, and returned to his domanion on Mt. Husfos.

[Lavan Tiri]

Bajaluj Square, Astal.
3 Minutes to Noon.

The crowd swarmed around Estima, buying, selling, chatting, trading, just……… normal crowd things. Normal things.

Waiting around, acting natural and waiting for the god of chaos to deliver on his promise, Estima decided, was not normal. Not at all.

Still, though, she waited, watching the massive clock that towered above the square, atttached to the temple where Balajus was worshipped by the name of Bajaluj. The sun beat down on her head, and she waited.

---

2 Minutes to Noon.

In the shadows off the awning he had set up, the shopkeeper waiting. The target, he knew, would come through here. And when he did, the razor-sharp iron would rend his heart.

And He would be satisfied.

---

Two-and-a-half minutes to Noon.

"Well, Oislin? How are you?"

The young man sighed. Sometimes, his mother's ability to sneak acid and vitriol into even the most banal statements amazed him.

"I'm fine, Mother, thank you very much. Just……… just fine."

The Countess narrowed her grey eyes. She was an aged woman, no doubt about that, but her hair, rather than a smoky grey, was a dignified silver, and shoulder length. She wore her dark blue dress well, and it didn't seem like a frilly mess of ruffles on Countess Marsiti. "Oislin De Pasil, don't you lie to your mother. I can tell you're not alright with this." She moved closer, putting her hands on his shoulders from behind, "You don't have to do this. You can rule from this palace, not the streets……"

Oislin sighed and stepped forward, turning to face Marsiti. "Mom. This wasn't dad's idea, it was mine. I want to meet the people. Face-to-face, not in some random court or ball."

Marsiti sighed, but stepped away, allowing her son to pass.

---

Less than a minute to Noon.
"Make way! Make way for Prince Oislin!", the Herald called, parting the market-goers to allow a small contingent of men to pass by. Inside the circle of white-armoured guards was a tall young man, black-haired and tan.

Prince Oislin.

Estima, stepped aside, but the prince shook his head and gestured for the Herald to be silent. "No, no, I'm sorry. Come here.", he said, gesturing to the people. To his people. They pressed in, but the Prince gestured for them to stay a wee bit back, saying that he needed some breathing space, please.

And then.

It happened.

The Temple clock struck noon, and Estima saw him. Vasal. In the crowd, standing there, watching the scene. For a brief moment, their eyes connected, and she understood.

Estima watched, in slow motion, as Old Man Kastin, who sold smoked meats on the corner, emerged from the shadows and pointed something at Oislin. She saw, rather than felt, as her legs pounded the cobbled ground, and she collided with the prince, shoving him aside as the bolt flew past her, not touching either of them.

But behind them, Ser Mis, the local High Priest of Balajus, was not so lucky, and he got a crossbow bolt to the chest.

The old priest fell, his eyes wild, calling out a prayer to Balajus, as Estima and Oislin hit the ground, guards rushing her, pulling her off, as the hysterical girl pointed at the corner and shouted about Old Man Kastin.

The square was silent. Would Balajus respond to the death of his priest?

But Vasal stayed still. He feared nothing, neither god nor mortal, and even if Balajus did come, he'd be fine.

[Taigawa]

Bajaluj Square, Astal.
3 Minutes to Noon.

The crowd swarmed around Estima, buying, selling, chatting, trading, just……… normal crowd things. Normal things.

Waiting around, acting natural and waiting for the god of chaos to deliver on his promise, Estima decided, was not normal. Not at all.

Still, though, she waited, watching the massive clock that towered above the square, atttached to the temple where Balajus was worshipped by the name of Bajaluj. The sun beat down on her head, and she waited.

---

2 Minutes to Noon.

In the shadows off the awning he had set up, the shopkeeper waiting. The target, he knew, would come through here. And when he did, the razor-sharp iron would rend his heart.

And He would be satisfied.

---

Two-and-a-half minutes to Noon.

"Well, Oislin? How are you?"

The young man sighed. Sometimes, his mother's ability to sneak acid and vitriol into even the most banal statements amazed him.

"I'm fine, Mother, thank you very much. Just……… just fine."

The Countess narrowed her grey eyes. She was an aged woman, no doubt about that, but her hair, rather than a smoky grey, was a dignified silver, and shoulder length. She wore her dark blue dress well, and it didn't seem like a frilly mess of ruffles on Countess Marsiti. "Oislin De Pasil, don't you lie to your mother. I can tell you're not alright with this." She moved closer, putting her hands on his shoulders from behind, "You don't have to do this. You can rule from this palace, not the streets……"

Oislin sighed and stepped forward, turning to face Marsiti. "Mom. This wasn't dad's idea, it was mine. I want to meet the people. Face-to-face, not in some random court or ball."

Marsiti sighed, but stepped away, allowing her son to pass.

---

Less than a minute to Noon.
"Make way! Make way for Prince Oislin!", the Herald called, parting the market-goers to allow a small contingent of men to pass by. Inside the circle of white-armoured guards was a tall young man, black-haired and tan.

Prince Oislin.

Estima, stepped aside, but the prince shook his head and gestured for the Herald to be silent. "No, no, I'm sorry. Come here.", he said, gesturing to the people. To his people. They pressed in, but the Prince gestured for them to stay a wee bit back, saying that he needed some breathing space, please.

And then.

It happened.

The Temple clock struck noon, and Estima saw him. Vasal. In the crowd, standing there, watching the scene. For a brief moment, their eyes connected, and she understood.

Estima watched, in slow motion, as Old Man Kastin, who sold smoked meats on the corner, emerged from the shadows and pointed something at Oislin. She saw, rather than felt, as her legs pounded the cobbled ground, and she collided with the prince, shoving him aside as the bolt flew past her, not touching either of them.

But behind them, Ser Mis, the local High Priest of Balajus, was not so lucky, and he got a crossbow bolt to the chest.

The old priest fell, his eyes wild, calling out a prayer to Balajus, as Estima and Oislin hit the ground, guards rushing her, pulling her off, as the hysterical girl pointed at the corner and shouted about Old Man Kastin.

The square was silent. Would Balajus respond to the death of his priest?

But Vasal stayed still. He feared nothing, neither god nor mortal, and even if Balajus did come, he'd be fine.

Melisara was quietly eating the offerings made to her at one of the many temples that were scattered across the city of Miyesmos and Auroura. She had only been confronted about it once by a temple priest, and Melisara purposely revealed her divine status to the priest. She did this at a different temple ebvery time she wanted to eat. Then noon came and she sensed it: A soldier had fallen to a Crossbow bolt to the chest. The man wasn't Kirran, but he had been slain by a weapon. That was enough to draw Melisara to menifest near Ser Mis and begin to take him to Volingarde.

[Jaslandia]

Mt. Husfos, Stewbrun, Montasias

As Balajus meditated in his domanion, he received a sudden vision. His High Priest in Astal, Ser Mis, had fallen to a crossbowman, though who fired the arrow was not clear. The vivid image of the arrow piercing the priest's chest quickly snapped the god out of his trance, and he teleported to Astal immediately.

Bajaluj Square, Astal

Balajus appeared on the doorsteps of the temple in a puff of smoke. While the priest was nowhere to be seen, Balajus soon received a vision indicating Ser Mis was being take by the goddess Melisara. Standing on the top step of the temple entrance-way, Balajus removed his hood, and said in a booming voice "May I have your attention, please? I am Balajus, although some of you may know me as Bajaluj. Moments ago, my high priest in Astal, Ser Mis, was struck by a crossbowman's arrow. Whoever fired the arrow that killed Ser Mis, please step forward. I do not want a confrontation; I merely want to know how this all happened. I do not want to hurt anybody!" The God of Curiosity waited, hoping that the perpetrator would do the honorable thing and reveal himself in a timely manner.

[Lavan Tiri]

(Image)

Mt. Husfos, Stewbrun, Montasias

As Balajus meditated in his domanion, he received a sudden vision. His High Priest in Astal, Ser Mis, had fallen to a crossbowman, though who fired the arrow was not clear. The vivid image of the arrow piercing the priest's chest quickly snapped the god out of his trance, and he teleported to Astal immediately.

Bajaluj Square, Astal

Balajus appeared on the doorsteps of the temple in a puff of smoke. While the priest was nowhere to be seen, Balajus soon received a vision indicating Ser Mis was being take by the goddess Melisara. Standing on the top step of the temple entrance-way, Balajus removed his hood, and said in a booming voice "May I have your attention, please? I am Balajus, although some of you may know me as Bajaluj. Moments ago, my high priest in Astal, Ser Mis, was struck by a crossbowman's arrow. Whoever fired the arrow that killed Ser Mis, please step forward. I do not want a confrontation; I merely want to know how this all happened. I do not want to hurt anybody!" The God of Curiosity waited, hoping that the perpetrator would do the honorable thing and reveal himself in a timely manner.

The crowd was silent, waiting in shock. Not only had their High Priest been murdered in the street, but his patron, their chief god Balajus had personally came to deal with the killer.

Still hunched over Oislin, Estima watched in horror. What was this? She'd saved the Prince, but at the price of Ser Mis' life. Oislin was similarly silent. His father had trusted Ser Mis, and the two had been close confidants. How could this happen? Why would that old man try to kill him.

Really, the only pleasant thing to come out of this mess was that there was an attractive girl laying atop him.

"Ahem. Miss?", he said, drawing Estima's attention. "Oh, sorry, your Highness. I'll………I'll get up now.", she said, blushing fiercely. She got up, brushing off her dress and coat before helping Oislin up as well.

Damn. And just as I was getting comfortable., they both thought. Because really, they'd just made it through puberty. Shit changes.

"Great Balajus, I witnessed the………the murder. Actually, I was the intended target.", The Prince spoke up from the crowd, voice shaking like someone'd just shot at him with a crossbow. "This lady", he continued, gesture to Estima "saved me."

The crowd applauded a little, relived that, if not Ser Mis, the prince had lived.

"And", Oislin added as an aside to the girl "she shall be richly rewarded."

And it all clicked in place. The time, the murder, her saving the prince…………… Vasal. This was the price for her wish. She, not Old Man Kastin, had killed Ser Mis.

Estima stepped forward, pushing through the crowd until she was face-to-face with Balajus. She took a deep breath, and the confessed.

"I killed the Ser. As surely as if I'd driven the bolt in him myself."

[Jaslandia]

(Image)

Mt. Husfos, Stewbrun, Montasias

As Balajus meditated in his domanion, he received a sudden vision. His High Priest in Astal, Ser Mis, had fallen to a crossbowman, though who fired the arrow was not clear. The vivid image of the arrow piercing the priest's chest quickly snapped the god out of his trance, and he teleported to Astal immediately.

Bajaluj Square, Astal

Balajus appeared on the doorsteps of the temple in a puff of smoke. While the priest was nowhere to be seen, Balajus soon received a vision indicating Ser Mis was being take by the goddess Melisara. Standing on the top step of the temple entrance-way, Balajus removed his hood, and said in a booming voice "May I have your attention, please? I am Balajus, although some of you may know me as Bajaluj. Moments ago, my high priest in Astal, Ser Mis, was struck by a crossbowman's arrow. Whoever fired the arrow that killed Ser Mis, please step forward. I do not want a confrontation; I merely want to know how this all happened. I do not want to hurt anybody!" The God of Curiosity waited, hoping that the perpetrator would do the honorable thing and reveal himself in a timely manner.

The crowd was silent, waiting in shock. Not only had their High Priest been murdered in the street, but his patron, their chief god Balajus had personally came to deal with the killer.

Still hunched over Oislin, Estima watched in horror. What was this? She'd saved the Prince, but at the price of Ser Mis' life. Oislin was similarly silent. His father had trusted Ser Mis, and the two had been close confidants. How could this happen? Why would that old man try to kill him.

Really, the only pleasant thing to come out of this mess was that there was an attractive girl laying atop him.

"Ahem. Miss?", he said, drawing Estima's attention. "Oh, sorry, your Highness. I'll………I'll get up now.", she said, blushing fiercely. She got up, brushing off her dress and coat before helping Oislin up as well.

Damn. And just as I was getting comfortable., they both thought. Because really, they'd just made it through puberty. Shit changes.

"Great Balajus, I witnessed the………the murder. Actually, I was the intended target.", The Prince spoke up from the crowd, voice shaking like someone'd just shot at him with a crossbow. "This lady", he continued, gesture to Estima "saved me."

The crowd applauded a little, relived that, if not Ser Mis, the prince had lived.

"And", Oislin added as an aside to the girl "she shall be richly rewarded."

And it all clicked in place. The time, the murder, her saving the prince…………… Vasal. This was the price for her wish. She, not Old Man Kastin, had killed Ser Mis.

Estima stepped forward, pushing through the crowd until she was face-to-face with Balajus. She took a deep breath, and the confessed.

"I killed the Ser. As surely as if I'd driven the bolt in him myself."

Balajus approached the young woman. Surely such an innocent girl could not possibly kill a High Priest? Balajus thought. Suddenly, the vision of what occurred came to Balajus. He saw the young woman push the royal-looking man out of the way, leading the arrow to hit the High Priest instead. The image of the event was clear now. "Young lady," Balajus said to the woman before him, "I think I understand what happened. You needed to push the Prince out of the way, and in the process, the arrow struck Ser Mis. While this is indeed a horrific event, I cannot see how you can be held truly responsible. You had no idea what would happen by pushing the Prince out of the way. If anything, by springing into action immediately and pushing the Prince out of the way, you are a hero. The true culprit is whoever fired the arrow." Balajus put his hand on the young woman's shoulder. "For saving the Prince's life, and at the risk of being a pushover, I forgive you for unintentionally causing Ser Mis' death. I will find a way to reward you for your heroic deed, but for now, I need your help in finding the dastardly crossbowman responsible for firing the arrow."

[Lavan Tiri]

The crowd was silent, waiting in shock. Not only had their High Priest been murdered in the street, but his patron, their chief god Balajus had personally came to deal with the killer.

Still hunched over Oislin, Estima watched in horror. What was this? She'd saved the Prince, but at the price of Ser Mis' life. Oislin was similarly silent. His father had trusted Ser Mis, and the two had been close confidants. How could this happen? Why would that old man try to kill him.

Really, the only pleasant thing to come out of this mess was that there was an attractive girl laying atop him.

"Ahem. Miss?", he said, drawing Estima's attention. "Oh, sorry, your Highness. I'll………I'll get up now.", she said, blushing fiercely. She got up, brushing off her dress and coat before helping Oislin up as well.

Damn. And just as I was getting comfortable., they both thought. Because really, they'd just made it through puberty. Shit changes.

"Great Balajus, I witnessed the………the murder. Actually, I was the intended target.", The Prince spoke up from the crowd, voice shaking like someone'd just shot at him with a crossbow. "This lady", he continued, gesture to Estima "saved me."

The crowd applauded a little, relived that, if not Ser Mis, the prince had lived.

"And", Oislin added as an aside to the girl "she shall be richly rewarded."

And it all clicked in place. The time, the murder, her saving the prince…………… Vasal. This was the price for her wish. She, not Old Man Kastin, had killed Ser Mis.

Estima stepped forward, pushing through the crowd until she was face-to-face with Balajus. She took a deep breath, and the confessed.

"I killed the Ser. As surely as if I'd driven the bolt in him myself."

Balajus approached the young woman. Surely such an innocent girl could not possibly kill a High Priest? Balajus thought. Suddenly, the vision of what occurred came to Balajus. He saw the young woman push the royal-looking man out of the way, leading the arrow to hit the High Priest instead. The image of the event was clear now. "Young lady," Balajus said to the woman before him, "I think I understand what happened. You needed to push the Prince out of the way, and in the process, the arrow struck Ser Mis. While this is indeed a horrific event, I cannot see how you can be held truly responsible. You had no idea what would happen by pushing the Prince out of the way. If anything, by springing into action immediately and pushing the Prince out of the way, you are a hero. The true culprit is whoever fired the arrow." Balajus put his hand on the young woman's shoulder. "For saving the Prince's life, and at the risk of being a pushover, I forgive you for unintentionally causing Ser Mis' death. I will find a way to reward you for your heroic deed, but for now, I need your help in finding the dastardly crossbowman responsible for firing the arrow."

No. Not like this. Balajus was misunderstanding her, at it seemed on purpose. Damn. Damn it all to the void.

Estima hid her face in her hands, sobbing now. Her shame, her fear, all of it was bubbling to the surface now, and the words pounder out unbidden and uncontrollable.

"No! No, I………I killed him. It was the wish! The damned wish! Oh, gods, oh, my word……… forgive me!"

She then broke down, crying in front of everyone.

And no one noticed the strange man coming through the crowd, not until he was next to the girl, bending down and patting her on the back. "Now now, dearie. I've got ya"

Estima whirled to face him, screaming. "Murderer! Liar! Cheat!"

But Vasal simply stepped aside as she tried to claw at him, and turned to face Balajus. "No, dearie, she speaks the truth. She certainly facilitated Ser Mis' death. I just caused it."

[Jaslandia]

Balajus approached the young woman. Surely such an innocent girl could not possibly kill a High Priest? Balajus thought. Suddenly, the vision of what occurred came to Balajus. He saw the young woman push the royal-looking man out of the way, leading the arrow to hit the High Priest instead. The image of the event was clear now. "Young lady," Balajus said to the woman before him, "I think I understand what happened. You needed to push the Prince out of the way, and in the process, the arrow struck Ser Mis. While this is indeed a horrific event, I cannot see how you can be held truly responsible. You had no idea what would happen by pushing the Prince out of the way. If anything, by springing into action immediately and pushing the Prince out of the way, you are a hero. The true culprit is whoever fired the arrow." Balajus put his hand on the young woman's shoulder. "For saving the Prince's life, and at the risk of being a pushover, I forgive you for unintentionally causing Ser Mis' death. I will find a way to reward you for your heroic deed, but for now, I need your help in finding the dastardly crossbowman responsible for firing the arrow."

No. Not like this. Balajus was misunderstanding her, at it seemed on purpose. Damn. Damn it all to the void.

Estima hid her face in her hands, sobbing now. Her shame, her fear, all of it was bubbling to the surface now, and the words pounder out unbidden and uncontrollable.

"No! No, I………I killed him. It was the wish! The damned wish! Oh, gods, oh, my word……… forgive me!"

She then broke down, crying in front of everyone.

And no one noticed the strange man coming through the crowd, not until he was next to the girl, bending down and patting her on the back. "Now now, dearie. I've got ya"

Estima whirled to face him, screaming. "Murderer! Liar! Cheat!"

But Vasal simply stepped aside as she tried to claw at him, and turned to face Balajus. "No, dearie, she speaks the truth. She certainly facilitated Ser Mis' death. I just caused it."

Balajus looked at Estima with confusion, but upon seeing Vasal, Balajus's look turned to that of annoyance. "What do you have to do with this, Vasal?" Balajus asked, raising his voice just a little bit. "This woman saved a life. She unintentionally caused the death of another, but she can't be faulted for failing to predict the future. What more is there to it?" The God of Discovery paused and step toward Vasal. "If this is some sort of joke, I'm not amused. Now explain yourself, Vasal! What is going on here?"

[The Templar High Council]

Sarzaken,
Lord of the Sands,
Arena Regio, Renyara.

Sarzaken looked about his domain. He was bored. Well, this was to be expected when you live in a castle in the desert. Even playing games with the Sanya had its limits. So Sarzaken went to his observation room, where he saw a scale model of the whole Freyan Wastes. Even those little mortals and their cities!

And what would appear at this moment, but a group of bandits out in the desert? They were pursuing a small caravan of supplies, and attacked as the god watched. They swarmed the caravan's wagons and camels and dismounted their horses. Sarzaken focused in on the event, letting him see it clearly and hear every word.

"Surrender your goods, either them or your lives."

"Please, no! This is my livelihood! What am I going to tell my children?"

"Nothing, unless you forfeit what you have! You can keep the camel. I won't leave you at Sarzaken's mercy in this desert."

That was about the last straw. This bandit invoked his name while he was robbing a simple merchant!? Inconceivable! The wind started to blow over the wastes, stirring up sand to block the sun.

"See? He already comes for you. Good luck surviving the night." The bandits started off, but were stopped by... a wall of sand? Wherever they tried to leave the sand, it became solid and trapped them.

"You invoke ME as you rob an innocent man? Not only are you a thief, you're also a fool! As Sarzaken spoke, the bandit leader was incinerated by fire from no source. He just combusted... spontaneously. The other bandits followed suit, leaving their horses in a minor panic until they were silenced by the desert deity.

When the storm cleared, the city of Takan was visible in the distance. There was also an obelisk nearby, a symbol of the god who saved the merchant's life.

"Thank you, Sarzaken. May the desert retain its beauty, and your kingdom retain its power." The merchant saddled off, to sell his wares in Takan's market.

"May it indeed," the good responded to himself. He felt much better after saving the man's life. Now time to build more sand castles...

[Charmera]

(Image)

A new dawn rose upon Ziolas, the sun shyly peeping its head out like a young duckling, before growing more confident and showing its full majesty and glory. Its radiant beams illuminated every corner of the hemisphere it was facing, and if one was to look down, below the boughs of a young, yet tall forest, one would see a lion. Its mane was long and it was large, and yet retained its sleekness, power and grace that marked it as the most powerful animal currently in the wood. And yet, the squirrels yippered and chattered happily, racing and chasing, leaping and gathering, paying no mind to the still lion, that had gold, piercing eyes.

Without a sound, the lion paced forward, its every step measured and seemingly calculated to retain as much grace and power as possible. Soon, it expanded into a trot, then a gallop of which, every leap seemed to spring. Long was its course, and soon it reached the golden plains, but it did not stop, its golden and brown mane flowing behind its head. Its steps were agile and careful, and no thorn dared to prick the paws of the magnificent creature.

And then, the lion came before a mountain. Gazing up it, the lion selected the best route and began, not climbing slowly, and yet, carefully, jumping nimbly when required and striding forward as the occasion called for. Finally, it reached the peak of the mountain, standing proud as it gazed the expanses of the territory. This was Telerion. Perhaps 2 miles north of the mountain was the great river Luthen, and by it, the proud capital of Telerion and the center of Elvendom upon Ziolas, Vilundir. There, High King Vilgaen Vrenture reigned, the strong gates imprinted with a lion's head, its tall stone walls, the proud, valiant towers and the waving banners all created a feeling of glory and power.

The lion shifted into the form of a woman, but this was no mere mortal. This was Eluthiel, Goddess of Honor, the Hearth, and Knowledge, Mother of Elves and Patron of the Arts, whose golden hair rivaled that of the sun, whose keen, wise eyes were deeper than the sea. Upon her head rested a silver circlet that fit perfectly around her, and she wore a blue dress with a silver pendant at her chest, and a pure white garment that shimmered with the stars beneath.

Eluthiel smiled, seeing and sensing the prosperity and happiness of the Eldar, her most treasured things above all else. Any who tried to interfere with their peaceful lives, would face the fury of Eluthiel, and though it had been long since unleashed, all who had experienced it were not quick to forget. Smiling one more time, she disappeared in a flash of blue, to her domanion that lay veiled by the clouds, Taltera.

If Eluthiel was feeling in a perceptive mood, she might notice a small spider appearing in her Domanion shortly after her, the arachnid moving towards the Goddess, carefully avoiding her feet, the spider incredibly nimble and fast. Manoeuvring around the goddess and forward a bit and then stopping and staring at her while in a shadow in Eluthiel's home. The spider seemed to be waiting for something, perhaps to be noticed.

Though, if the spider was noticed, one would assume it was merely a normal spider, though Eluthial might recognise her sister in her smaller eight legged form. Illyana always liked testing her sibling, seeing if the other Goddess would notice her sneaking, though she decided to cut her little game a little short this time. She began transforming in the shadows, her morphing silent and swift, where there was once an arachnid there was now a two legged Drow Goddess,

"Hello Sister." Illyana spoke, smiling her usual coy smile. Not quite devious but not quite innocent. "It's been a while since we last talked hasn't it?"

[The Starlight]

If Eluthiel was feeling in a perceptive mood, she might notice a small spider appearing in her Domanion shortly after her, the arachnid moving towards the Goddess, carefully avoiding her feet, the spider incredibly nimble and fast. Manoeuvring around the goddess and forward a bit and then stopping and staring at her while in a shadow in Eluthiel's home. The spider seemed to be waiting for something, perhaps to be noticed.

Though, if the spider was noticed, one would assume it was merely a normal spider, though Eluthial might recognise her sister in her smaller eight legged form. Illyana always liked testing her sibling, seeing if the other Goddess would notice her sneaking, though she decided to cut her little game a little short this time. She began transforming in the shadows, her morphing silent and swift, where there was once an arachnid there was now a two legged Drow Goddess,

"Hello Sister." Illyana spoke, smiling her usual coy smile. Not quite devious but not quite innocent. "It's been a while since we last talked hasn't it?"

Focused on her own thoughts, Eluthiel didn't pay much attention to her surroundings, therefore not seeing Illyana. "Sister! I didn't notice you this time, so a point to you, I suppose," Eluthiel summoning a small book to her, in which she scratched a small tally mark to Illyana's side. "The score is... actually equal now, you've caught up, 1,345 to 1,345. Reminds me when we were young godlings, and would do this everyday."

Dismissing the book, Eluthiel sighed. "Indeed, it has been a long time since we last spoke, too long I think. I'll have to make an effort to visit your domanion more often. How do the Svartalfar fare, and their kingdom? And would you care for any food, or refreshments?"

[Lavan Tiri]

No. Not like this. Balajus was misunderstanding her, at it seemed on purpose. Damn. Damn it all to the void.

Estima hid her face in her hands, sobbing now. Her shame, her fear, all of it was bubbling to the surface now, and the words pounder out unbidden and uncontrollable.

"No! No, I………I killed him. It was the wish! The damned wish! Oh, gods, oh, my word……… forgive me!"

She then broke down, crying in front of everyone.

And no one noticed the strange man coming through the crowd, not until he was next to the girl, bending down and patting her on the back. "Now now, dearie. I've got ya"

Estima whirled to face him, screaming. "Murderer! Liar! Cheat!"

But Vasal simply stepped aside as she tried to claw at him, and turned to face Balajus. "No, dearie, she speaks the truth. She certainly facilitated Ser Mis' death. I just caused it."

Balajus looked at Estima with confusion, but upon seeing Vasal, Balajus's look turned to that of annoyance. "What do you have to do with this, Vasal?" Balajus asked, raising his voice just a little bit. "This woman saved a life. She unintentionally caused the death of another, but she can't be faulted for failing to predict the future. What more is there to it?" The God of Discovery paused and step toward Vasal. "If this is some sort of joke, I'm not amused. Now explain yourself, Vasal! What is going on here?"

Vasal chuckled. The chuckle soon developed into a full-on belly laugh, tears streaming down his cheeks. This persisted for a few moments, until the Mad God was done, and wiped his face dry. The crowd watched, silent and apprehensive.

"Oh, dearie me. Bala, you truly are idiotic, aren't you? All my services have a price, after all. And no, it's no joke, young Estima was quite serious. She knew there was a price, and she still made the wish!"

The god spun, pointing one clawlike finger at Estima. "Murderess!"

The young woman let out a choking sob and lunged, but Vasal was no longer there.

Estima turned to face her god. "He's telling the truth. I……… I made a wish from him, and Ser Mis was the price, it seems."

[Jaslandia]

Balajus looked at Estima with confusion, but upon seeing Vasal, Balajus's look turned to that of annoyance. "What do you have to do with this, Vasal?" Balajus asked, raising his voice just a little bit. "This woman saved a life. She unintentionally caused the death of another, but she can't be faulted for failing to predict the future. What more is there to it?" The God of Discovery paused and step toward Vasal. "If this is some sort of joke, I'm not amused. Now explain yourself, Vasal! What is going on here?"

Vasal chuckled. The chuckle soon developed into a full-on belly laugh, tears streaming down his cheeks. This persisted for a few moments, until the Mad God was done, and wiped his face dry. The crowd watched, silent and apprehensive.

"Oh, dearie me. Bala, you truly are idiotic, aren't you? All my services have a price, after all. And no, it's no joke, young Estima was quite serious. She knew there was a price, and she still made the wish!"

The god spun, pointing one clawlike finger at Estima. "Murderess!"

The young woman let out a choking sob and lunged, but Vasal was no longer there.

Estima turned to face her god. "He's telling the truth. I……… I made a wish from him, and Ser Mis was the price, it seems."

Balajus shook his head. While the circumstances still weren't 100% clear to him, it was clear that Vasal was up to his old tricks.

"You are a cruel, sick, twisted deity, Vasal," Balajus said. "Torturing a young woman like this. But, nothing I can do to change that, I'm afraid." Balajus looked at Estima and put his hand on her shoulder. "Vasal has a tendency to pull devious tricks like this. It's his modus operandi. I think the guilt of having been responsible, albeit indirectly, for Ser Mis's death is bad enough for you. I for one refuse to play along with Vasal's games." Balajus turned around and stood on the steps of his temple, before turning again to face Estima. "I'm sorry you had to get caught in the middle of Vasal's meddling. I hope things improve for you. I shall not worsen your condition by heaping more punishment. Farewell!" Then, in a puff of grey smoke, Balajus disappeared and returned to his domanion in Mt. Husfos.